Kenya marked the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests on Thursday, June 25, with demonstrations that were largely calmer compared to past demonstrations.
Even so, police maintained a heavy presence in Nairobi, barricading key roads and restricting access to parts of the Central Business District (CBD) in an effort to control movement and prevent large gatherings.
While the day saw fewer confrontations between protesters and security forces, policing tactics were noticeably different.
Officers were deployed in large numbers across the city, with some operating in plain clothes and moving through streets on motorcycles.
What stood out most during the operations was the deployment of a Long Range Acoustic Device, commonly known as an LRAD. The device was audible across sections of Nairobi and marked one of the first widely reported uses of the technology in Kenya for crowd management.
The LRAD’s use has sparked interest and debate, with questions emerging about what it is, how it works and why police have started using it during protests.
What is an LRAD
The LRAD is a crowd-control system used by security agencies in several countries. It projects sound over long distances in a focused direction and is sometimes described as a “sound cannon” because of its intensity.
How the device is used
The LRAD can broadcast spoken instructions and warnings or emit a high-pitched sound used to attract attention and influence crowd movement. It is typically used in situations where large crowds need to be managed or where normal communication is difficult over distance or noise.
Why it's different from normal speakers
Unlike regular public address systems that spread sound in all directions, the LRAD directs sound in a narrow, focused beam. People directly in front of it hear it most strongly, while those to the side or behind may hear very little.
Design and appearance
LRAD systems are usually mounted on vehicles, tripods or fixed platforms. They are recognisable by their circular or dish-like front made up of multiple speakers arranged to direct sound in one direction.
Sound levels and Intensity
The LRAD is capable of producing extremely high sounds, often reaching up to 150 decibels or more, depending on the model. For comparison, normal conversation is around 60 decibels, while heavy traffic is about 90 decibels. Levels above 130 decibels are generally considered painful to the human ear.
Effects on people
Exposure to LRAD sound can cause discomfort, especially at close range. Reported effects include ear pain, headaches, disorientation and panic.
Prolonged or very close exposure may also carry a risk of temporary or permanent hearing damage. The impact depends on distance, with those directly in front of the device affected most strongly.
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